Celebrated actress and passionate advocate Zainab Balogun is stepping into 2025 with a clear vision and unshakeable determination. Renowned for her roles as Ope in the romantic comedy ‘The Royal Hisbiscus Hotel’ and the overly dramatic wedding planner in ‘The Wedding Party’, Balogun has a meticulous approach to her craft.
For her 2025 in Focus interview with Nollywire, Zainab Balogun shared that this year is for bold choices, innovative projects, and a steadfast commitment to women’s health. She also opened up about her career evolution, fearless aspirations, and her drive to make a difference through storytelling and advocacy.
Zainab Balogun: The Fearless Producer
“This year, I want to be fearless,” Balogun declared. After years of cautious decision-making in her career, she is ready to push boundaries and explore uncharted territories. “In 2024, I was quite cautious with my career choices, always striving for perfection. But in 2025, I’m ready to take serious risks.”
Balogun is quite smitten by precision and detailed planning, but she has realised that over-planning can lead to paralysis. “Sometimes you just have to start, even if everything isn’t perfect. Execution often refines creativity,” she shared, emphasising her new mantra: Fail fast and grow faster. This approach is fuelling her leap into ambitious projects and new challenges.
Despite Balogun’s remarkable career as an actress and experience as a television producer for EbonyLife TV, 2025 marks a significant transition into film production. “I’ve always been cautious about producing until I felt truly ready,” she admitted. She aims to produce her debut project, ‘Blood,’ a psychological thriller inspired by her personal battle with endometriosis and the broader struggles women face with reproductive health.
“This story delves into the economic, physical, and emotional toll on women dealing with these issues. It’s not just a film; it’s a vehicle for raising awareness and initiating meaningful conversations,” she explained. Through ‘Blood,’ she aims to shed light on the misinformation and systemic neglect that often surround women’s health. The project is also a testament to her ability to combine creativity with advocacy, using her platform to drive change.
Championing Women’s Health
Balogun’s advocacy for women’s health is a deeply personal mission. As an endometriosis survivor, she’s been vocal about her struggles and the need for more awareness and resources. “Sharing my story opened the door to hundreds of messages from women worldwide who felt seen and heard,” she shared. This year, she plans to organise wellness events and workshops focused on educating women and creating safe spaces for open conversations about reproductive health.
Through ‘Blood,’ Zainab highlights the economic and emotional costs of neglecting women’s health issues. “We want this project to go beyond just awareness. It’s about empowering women to advocate for themselves and encouraging the global community to prioritise women’s health,” she explained. Her work is not only raising awareness but also building a foundation for systemic change.
Finding Her People
The actress is also eager to collaborate with both emerging and established talents in the Nigerian film industry. “Last year, I worked with an incredible team of Gen Z creatives who brought a fresh perspective and boundless energy to the table,” she said. Their innovative ideas and willingness to take risks inspired her to seek out more young directors and producers.
“Of course, I’m also excited to work with industry heavyweights like Kemi Adetiba and Kayode Kasum,” she added. For Zainab Balogun, the story always comes first. “A compelling narrative draws me in, but production value and collaboration seal the deal.” This year, she’s particularly interested in exploring comedy and action genres, expanding her repertoire while staying true to her passion for storytelling.
Vision for 2025 and the Power of Collaboration
Balogun’s ambitions for 2025 extend beyond film and advocacy. “I’m developing a project in fashion and accessories, aiming to launch it by year’s end,” she revealed. As a self-proclaimed “ideas person,” she’s learnt the importance of collaboration. “You don’t have to carry the entire load yourself. Aligning with the right people is key to bringing ideas to life.”
When reflecting on her goals for the year, Zainab shared her aspirations to work on at least three significant projects as an actor and to successfully launch her debut production, ‘Blood.’ “I want to create work that resonates deeply, not just with me but with audiences worldwide,” she said. Her vision also includes expanding her advocacy efforts, particularly through workshops and partnerships with global brands.
For those navigating their own journeys, her advice is simple yet profound: “Give yourself grace. Where you are now is someone else’s answered prayer. Celebrate your progress and remember that your gifts are not just for you but to inspire others.”
With her unwavering commitment to using her platform to create change and elevate voices, this year promises to be a defining chapter in her career. Zainab Balogun is not just stepping into 2025—she is owning it, one fearless choice at a time.